NEW YORK – From "Livin' on a Prayer" to "Living Proof," every song at NBC's benefit concert for superstorm Sandy victims became a message song.

Friday's hourlong event was hosted by Matt Lauer and featured performances by Christina Aguilera, Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen. The show was heavy on stars and lyrics identified with New Jersey and the New York metropolitan area, which took the brunt of this week's deadly storm.

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The telethon was a mix of music, storm footage and calls for donations from Jon Stewart, Tina Fey, Whoopi Goldberg and others.

The mood was somber but hopeful. The show ended, as only it could, with Springsteen and the E Street Band, tearing into "Land Of Hope and Dreams."